Algaecide 1 month Prior to Pool Opening?

[MM32]

Hello,

I had my pool built last year and so this is my first season opening the pool. My pool company is going to do the opening/summerizing. They recommend I pour liquid algaecide through the loop loc cover 1 month prior to them opening it. Problem is I just realized this now and they are opening my pool on 4/30. Im going to do it asap but hope I didn’t wait too long.

Any recommendations on what algaecide to get and how much? Or can I just get any algaecide and follow the directions? Also, I’m curious why they recommend pouring it through the cover as opposed to just removing a portion of the cover and pouring it in. Is there any reason to pour it through the cover other than it’s just easier to do that?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks as always!

 

[Bperry]

Hello,

I had my pool built last year and so this is my first season opening the pool. My pool company is going to do the opening/summerizing. They recommend I pour liquid algaecide through the loop loc cover 1 month prior to them opening it. Problem is I just realized this now and they are opening my pool on 4/30. Im going to do it asap but hope I didn’t wait too long.

Any recommendations on what algaecide to get and how much? Or can I just get any algaecide and follow the directions? Also, I’m curious why they recommend pouring it through the cover as opposed to just removing a portion of the cover and pouring it in. Is there any reason to pour it through the cover other than it’s just easier to do that?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks as always!

Don’t do it. It’s a waste of money and if it’s got copper in it, it’ll cause problems later.

 

[MM32]

Don’t do it. It’s a waste of money and if it’s got copper in it, it’ll cause problems later.

Thanks for the reply. The email that the pool company sent says this is specifically for customers with mesh loop loc covers (which I have). Is there any reason I should adding algaecide before opening because of this or you would still say not to add it?

 

[Bperry]

Thanks for the reply. The email that the pool company sent says this is specifically for customers with mesh loop loc covers (which I have). Is there any reason I should adding algaecide before opening because of this or you would still say not to add it?

There is no way I would put copper based algaecide in my pool. The cover manufacturer or type has nothing to do with any need for algaecide.

 

[Newdude]

I've been rethinking everything I knew here.

I've run tests on my new pool for 2 winters and it's not that the chlorine was depleted, it's that we got 2 to 3 foot of 0 FC rain and either you pumped it a couple times or it's just been overflowing somewhere. That rain water may have gone stagnant on any of the warm days we had since closing.

Even after pumping a foot of top only water each time, the upper layer of water was still rain per testing. (Salt doesn't deplete like FC might) So on top of only draining from the the top couple inches of the pool, I added mixing it with the submersible after draining to the process.

Polyquat 60 is the non copper based algecide. They tell you you to pour it through the cover because they are well experienced with customers who can't be bothered, even with that.

My mesh cover can have a puddle on it for 2 days, I'd never dump a quart of chemical on it, any chemical, i don't care if its safe. Lol.

It might help to add it under the cover. Or 3 more inches of rain sitting on top may go funky before it's opened and overwhelm whatever FC/algecide is in the rest of the pool.

Or you can use your submersible to mix the pool well and bring FC up to 10.

 

[MM32]

There is no way I would put copper based algaecide in my pool. The cover manufacturer or type has nothing to do with any need for algaecide.

Would you consider or recommend an algaecide without copper? I’m sorry this is all new to me.

 

[ajw22]

Would you consider or recommend an algaecide without copper? I’m sorry this is all new to me.

I would not for an April 30 opening this year. So far, it has been cold, and your water will be cold into early May.

My pool is opening April 15th. I will be ready to get 5 ppm of liquid chlorine into the pool as soon as the pump is running. Then test CYA, after the test sample warms up, after the pump is running for 24 hours. Then I adjust my FC to the high end of the range for my CYA.

So, your pool company sends a generic email to all mesh pool cover customers telling them to add algaecide through the mesh cover. There is no guidance on what algaecide to use or consideration for when the pool will be opened or what the water temperature may be. We can separately discuss their motivations for such a communication.

This is your pool and your decision. Use this as a learning experience about your pool.

Your pool opening situation will change every year depending on when you open it and the seasonal weather.

Algaecide - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[MM32]

I would not for an April 30 opening this year. So far, it has been cold, and your water will be cold into early May.

My pool is opening April 15th. I will be ready to get 5 ppm of liquid chlorine into the pool as soon as the pump is running. Then test CYA, after the test sample warms up, after the pump is running for 24 hours. Then I adjust my FC to the high end of the range for my CYA.

So, your pool company sends a generic email to all mesh pool cover customers telling them to add algaecide through the mesh cover. There is no guidance on what algaecide to use or consideration for when the pool will be opened or what the water temperature may be. We can separately discuss their motivations for such a communication.

This is your pool and your decision. Use this as a learning experience about your pool.

Your pool opening situation will change every year depending on when you open it and the seasonal weather.

 

[MM32]

I attached the pertinent parts of the email from my pool company. I don’t know if you think they may have other motivations for sending that generic email however I think I am going to check under the cover. If it’s still clear I guess I will forego the algaecide prior to this years opening and just fill it up to mid skimmer before they arrive to open it. Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

They sure like to push that algaecide. Add more the day after opening.

Liquid chlorine is a much better algaecide. Why don't they just leave the appropriate amount to add the day after opening?

 

[User777]

Would you consider or recommend an algaecide without copper? I’m sorry this is all new to me.

In the Swim Algaecide 60 Plus (https://intheswim.com/p/algaecide-60-plus-1-qt./12077.html#description-btn-div) is non-metallic. I put in one bottle of this in early spring for my 30k gallon pool and it is always clear when I open 6 weeks later. This is just a normal dose per recommendations. I have no idea if it would damage the mesh, but I always pour it under the cover to be safe.

In general, algaecide is not needed, but I get tons of sun and have lots of trees and vegetation in the area, so the pool would have massive algae blooms when I opened it in May. It would take 2-3 changes of DE just to get it clean and I had to break down and buy chlorine shock for my salt water pool.

Otherwise, you do not need any special potions to maintain your pool, especially if you have a salt water generator. I check my chemical levels once per week, superchlorinate with the SWG if really needed (major rainstorm, after 20+ kids in pool, etc.), put the automatic vacuum in every few days, and change the DE once every 4-6 weeks.

 

[Mdragger88]

The addition of algaecides will only possibly prevent algae - not rid you of it once it’s there so if you peek and its green it’s too late anyway.
As mentioned above chlorine is the best preventative and also the cure for algae. So if you’re going to add something add that in appropriate amounts (be sure you can mix it well via a small pump or a brush).
Have a look at our opening and closing guides to help ensure you close clear & open clear. Polyquat 60 algaecide has its place for winterization but it also has its limitations.

Closing an In Ground Pool

Winterizing a pool is essential for keeping your in-ground pool protected during cold-weather months. This Pool Repair guide will show you how to do it.

www.troublefreepool.com

Opening your pool- An easy to follow guide

Opening your pool can be stressful. This Pool Start Up guide teaches everything from start-up chemicals, covers, and more for your start up.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[MM32]

Thank you!